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Cheap Mexican food in Houston

Mexican food that keeps the price low without making you feel like you are sacrificing the quality of the ingredients.

Based on 715 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
El Taconazo image 1
El Taconazo image 2
El Taconazo image 3
Mexican restaurant

Food truck setup creates a lively, well-lit atmosphere with no seating, encouraging eating on tailgates or standing. Crowds gather consistently, drawn by cash-only service and affordable tacos known for quality ingredients. The spot stands out as a popular local staple with a bustling, welcoming vibe.

Tacos here reach a whole new level with standout options like tongue tacos and quesadillas that keep people coming back for decades.

Tacos come at very cheap prices, even late at night around 2:00. The food stays delicious while keeping costs low.

People are saying

"I thought the tacos here were the best I ever had."

"I thought the tacos here were the best I ever had."

"The tacos here are cheap and delicious."

Good to know

1

El Taconazo offers late-night tacos.

2

The tacos cost only $1 each.

3

El Taconazo accepts only cash payments.

02
La Michoacana Meat Market image 1

Butcher shop combines well-stocked groceries with ready-to-eat meats like barbacoa and fajitas in a clean, calm atmosphere. Prices stay low, attracting shoppers looking for value and variety. Occasional waits happen during busy times, but the place maintains a welcoming vibe.

Barbacoa and carnitas stand out with well-prepared fajitas and ready-to-eat meats like pork rinds. Tacos of barbacoa are popular, though sometimes the meat can be dry, and salsa portions are limited.

Prices stay very cheap overall, with food often under $10. Some locations charge more but still offer good value.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and fresh."

"I loved the barbacoa and carnitas; it's delicious Mexican food."

"The food here is so cheap, a plate could feed two people."

Good to know

1

Expect some wait times during busy hours.

2

Prices are generally low, making it affordable for grocery shopping.

3

The market is well-stocked with vegetables, fruits, and ready-to-eat meats.

03
Brothers Taco House image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant with efficient use of space and a warm, friendly family vibe. Atmosphere feels like walking into a home, with basket of fresh chiles adding to the experience. Seating is limited, emphasizing takeout convenience.

Breakfast tacos stand out with rich flavor and authentic sazon. Tacos come at a great value, with two costing less than five dollars, making it a solid spot for satisfying Mexican food cravings.

Breakfast tacos come at very cheap prices and the tacos overall stay affordable. Service is fast, making it easy to grab cheap Tex-Mex food to go.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is so fresh and flavorful."

"I thought their breakfast tacos were the best."

"I found the breakfast tacos to be pretty cheap and delicious."

Good to know

1

Expect long lines during peak hours, but they move quickly.

2

The restaurant opens at 5:00am, ideal for early risers.

3

Parking is limited, so arrive early to secure a spot.

04
El Bolillo Bakery image 1

Nostalgic neighborhood bakery with freshly baked Mexican bread and sweet pastries filling the air. Small, colorful space feels like stepping into Mexico's vibrant atmosphere. Busy with people moving around, creating a lively but sometimes cramped environment.

Habanero tamales stand out with bold flavor, paired with the best salsa verde sauce. Fresh flour tortillas and churros filled with caramel add to the authentic Mexican food experience.

Prices stay very cheap while the food remains delicious. The tres leches stands out as a tasty, affordable option.

People are saying

"The Mexican bread here is ridiculously delicious and always fresh."

"I tried the chicken and pork tamales; they were delicious."

"I found the bread here to be cheap and delicious."

Good to know

1

During weekdays from 2-4 pm, aquas frescas are 50% off.

2

You can get a drink and one pastry for $3 during happy hour.

3

The bakery has a variety of Mexican pastries and bread.

05
Pistolero's image 1
Mexican restaurant

Dark, edgy decor creates a laid-back, electric vibe with an ample tequila bar and awesome DJ music. Expansive, covered patio offers cozy lighting and plenty of seating for relaxing or watching games. The atmosphere encourages conversation and draws a fun, lively crowd.

Chips and salsa stand out as best in Montrose. Tacos come in many varieties like steak, grilled blackened fish, and al pastor, all well made. Margaritas offer great happy hour prices and unique toppings like sangria and Grand Marnier.

Tacos cost just $1.50 each and margaritas come at dirt cheap prices. Extended happy hours offer great specials making it a cheap and cheerful spot for Mexican food and drinks.

People are saying

"I loved the variety of Mexican food on Taco Tuesday."

"The happy hour margaritas were phenomenal and flavorful."

"The margaritas here are dirt cheap and delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers great drink deals every day of the week.

2

Taco Tuesday features special deals that make meals affordable.

3

Parking can be difficult; valet service is available for $10.

06
Tacos Laguna (Food Truck) image 1
Mexican restaurant

Food truck offers $1 tacos with authentic flavors and fast service. Atmosphere feels like early 2000s with a cash-only policy and late-night hours until 3:45 AM. Tacos come with notable green sauce praised for its taste.

Street tacos stand out with authentic flavor and fresh ingredients. Prices stay low, with many tacos at just a dollar each, including delicious fajita and chicken options.

Tacos cost just $1 for corn and $2 for flour, making them very cheap. Both fajita and vegetarian options stay affordable and satisfying.

People are saying

"I thought the $1 tacos were the best I ever had."

"I thought the Mexican food, especially the street tacos, were great."

"I found the fajita and vegetarian tacos to be cheap."

Good to know

1

CASH ONLY is the payment method at this food truck.

2

The tacos cost $1 each for beef, chicken, or pork, and $2 for barbacoa.

3

The food truck is open until 3:45AM on weekends.

07
Tampico Refresqueria image 1

Drive-thru service draws a packed crowd alongside a busy sit-down area, creating a lively atmosphere. Prices stay very affordable, making it a popular spot for quick, tasty treats. Signature items include delicious snow cones with ice cream and flavorful elotes served in a cup.

Elote stands out with its shredded white cheese and comes served in a cup. Other Mexican treats include raspas, nachos, and churros that complement the menu.

Snow cones come at a very cheap price here. The overall menu offers good value without stretching the budget.

People are saying

"The Drive Thru elote cheese was different, but tasted ten times better."

"I went back for more of their amazing elote."

"Their snow cone and Mexican corn are delicious and cheap."

Good to know

1

The drive-thru line can take a while during peak hours.

2

The sit-down area is often packed with customers.

3

Prices for food and drinks are generally considered cheap.

08
Tacos Tierra Caliente (Food Truck) image 1

Mexican food truck offers generous portions of flavorful tacos with a clean, chill vibe and a small metal bar for standing while eating. It operates on a cash and card payment system and provides buzzers to alert when food is ready.

Street tacos come with ample meat and bold flavors like pastor, barbacoa, and fajita. Burritos are delicious and filling, with options like barbacoa and fajita available for around $8.

Prices stay very low, making meals feel like a quick, cheap option. Portions and toppings come small, which matches the budget-friendly cost but might feel light for the price.

People are saying

"I thought their tacos were the best I'd ever eaten."

"This quesadilla was so cheesy and jammed with meat, I thought it was the best ever."

"I thought the tacos were amazing and the best I'd ever eaten."

Good to know

1

The food truck accepts only cash; no credit cards or checks.

2

Breakfast tacos cost $13 for five, despite the sign stating 2 per taco.

3

Expect generous portions; many customers leave satisfied.

09
Taqueria Pupuseria Delicias#3 image 1

Mexican food truck with affordable prices and fresh ingredients offers a variety of dishes including pupusas and seafood soup. Outdoor seating under shade creates a casual, busy atmosphere especially at lunchtime. Calling ahead is common to avoid long waits.

Authentic Salvadoran and Mexican dishes shine with tacos de fajita, pupusas, and burritos standing out. The food offers strong flavors and good value, with standout items like sausage tacos, mariscada, and tasty horchata.

Prices stay consistently cheap while the food remains delicious. Expect solid value without sacrificing taste.

People are saying

"I thought the tacos here were the best I ever had."

"The seafood soup was delicious and flavorful, packed with shrimp and crab."

"I thought the pupusas were the best."

Good to know

1

They are now accepting electronic payments.

2

Order 20 to 25 minutes in advance during lunchtime to avoid long waits.

3

Call in your order before arriving to skip the wait.

10
El Charro image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with high ceilings creates a loud, lively atmosphere that shifts between family-friendly and energetic. Interior feels large and roomy but the setup can be awkward. Known for affordable prices and strong margaritas, it offers a casual dining experience with a drive-thru option.

Homemade tortillas stand out, with both flour and corn versions made traditionally and tasting authentic. The steak quesadilla and Al Carbon tacos come loaded with quality ingredients like cilantro and grilled onions, paired perfectly with a fresh green salsa and homemade horchata.

Prices stay surprisingly cheap even in a downtown area. Food offers good value without feeling expensive.

People are saying

"The fajitas here are tender and seasoned well."

"The Mexican food here, especially the fajitas, is delicious and tender."

"I found it surprisingly cheap and delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with half-price appetizers.

2

Parking spots around the restaurant are small and cramped.

3

A 3% charge applies for credit card payments.

11
Tacos El Bigotes image 1
Mexican restaurant

Lively Mexican restaurant with an open kitchen and modern, sleek interior resembling a neighborhood taqueria. Loud, energetic atmosphere with multiple TV screens showing sports and lively music playing. Seating is limited and indoors, creating a bustling, intimate vibe.

Tacos stand out with birria tacos and birria quesitacos that many find exceptional. Taco Tuesday offers $1 tacos, including birria, making it a popular choice for Mexican food lovers.

Tacos come at very cheap prices here, making it a budget-friendly spot for casual eats. Some find the overall place less cheap, but the food itself stays affordable.

People are saying

"I thought the tacos here were great and made with quality meat."

"The birria tacos here are amazing and so good."

"The tacos here are really good and cheap."

Good to know

1

Tacos are $1 each on Taco Tuesdays.

2

Margaritas are $1 on Mondays.

3

Expect long lines on Taco Tuesdays.

12
Casa de Leon image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant with authentic atmosphere and humble staff creates a family-friendly vibe. Interior shows signs of age but remains inviting and unassuming. Classic Mexican board game 'loterรญa' adds a unique touch while waiting for food.

Al Pastor tacos stand out with consistent quality and bold flavor. The menu features authentic Jalisco style dishes, including barbacoa and goat-based meals, alongside classic options like enchiladas, rice, and beans.

Breakfast options come at very cheap prices. Food quality is okay but the affordable pricing stands out for a Mexican breakfast.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is huge and flavorful."

"The handmade tortillas here are so fresh and flavorful."

"I thought the food was very cheap."

Good to know

1

Expect a full meal for around $10, which is quite affordable.

2

They make handmade tortillas daily, enhancing the food quality.

3

The total bill is usually under $30 for two without tip.

13
Taqueria Puro Jalisco (Food Truck) image 1

Food truck serves cheap, filling tacos with piping hot, flavorful meat like pork and steak. Salsa is delicious and spicy, enhancing the experience. Burritos and quesadillas vary, but tacos stand out as the main draw.

Tacos come out piping hot with great flavor and spicy salsa on the side. Options like tripa doradita, steak, pork, nopales, and rajas tacos are affordable and filling, often served with beans and grilled onions.

People are saying

"These tacos are piping hot with amazing flavor."

"The food here is amazing and the prices are great."

"These tacos are amazing, piping hot with great flavor."

Good to know

1

Tacos are available for $2 each, making them a budget-friendly option.

2

Expect a limited menu with a focus on tacos and basic sides.

3

Cash is preferred for payment; check if they accept cards.

14
Tacos La Bala image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant offers affordable prices and quick service with a simple, enjoyable atmosphere. It gets crowded during lunch, often causing waits for seating and lines at the register. Known for delicious tacos and standout sopes, it provides a casual dining experience with limited space.

Tacos come with fresh tortillas and ingredients, featuring crispy tripe and spicy green salsa. Prices stay affordable, with combos under $10 and generous portions like large tripa and trompo tacos.

Prices stay cheap with food that tastes great. Meat portions come small, matching the low cost.

People are saying

"I found the tacos here to be delicious."

"The handmade tortillas here are a 10/10."

"The tacos here are delicious, especially the tripa."

Good to know

1

Prices are very affordable, with meals often under $10.

2

The restaurant is small, seating about 25 people.

3

Expect long lines during lunch hours due to limited seating.

15
El Rancho Supermercado image 1

Market-style layout offers a wide variety of Mexican products with affordable prices and fresh meats and produce. Small dining area hosts a Taqueria serving popular Mexican dishes. Atmosphere feels clean and organized, reflecting a pleasant shopping experience.

Tacos come with homemade tortillas in flour or corn, topped with onions and cilantro. Meat options include Asada, Al Pastor, Pollo, and barbacoa. Fajita meat is marinated and flavorful, though the cuts are a bit thick.

Prices stay consistently very cheap across the store. Meat, especially seasoned beef fajita and chicken specials, comes at low cost.

People are saying

"The grocery store staff are always kind and helpful with a smile."

"The barbacoa tacos here are amazing and a great value."

"I found the prices here to be very cheap."

Good to know

1

El Rancho Supermercado offers a wide variety of Mexican products.

2

Prices at El Rancho Supermercado are generally very affordable.

3

Some products, like bananas, may be spoiled despite their appearance.

16
Tacos Laguna #7 image 1
Mexican restaurant

Food truck setup near a gas station creates a crowded, smoky atmosphere filled with many men and cigarette smell. Tacos offer authentic, flavorful taste at very low prices, but all orders are cash-only with no seating available.

$1 tacos stand out for their affordable price and authentic flavor. The tacos come with grilled chicken or beef fajita, and the barbacoa is flavorful without greasiness. Spicy red and green sauces add a nice kick.

Tacos come at really cheap prices here, making it easy to enjoy a meal without spending much.

People are saying

"The $1 tacos here are always bomb."

"The Mexican food here, especially the $1 tacos, is a great deal."

"I loved their really cheap tacos, only a dollar each."

Good to know

1

$1 tacos are available at Tacos Laguna #7.

2

Cash is the only accepted payment method.

3

There is no seating; all orders are to-go.

17
Poppa Burger image 1
Hamburger restaurant

Hamburger restaurant with an old-school vibe and 24-hour availability offers a casual, relaxed atmosphere with covered outdoor seating and simple furnishings. The place feels like an extension of home for locals, with cash-only payment and a focus on affordability and reliability.

Taco Suaves stand out as a favorite, especially the carnitas tacos. The menu also features chili cheese burritos, breakfast tacos, and fries with ketchup that pair well with a chocolate shake.

Food comes out hot and made to order at prices that are consistently dirt cheap and affordable. Burgers and goyslop offer cheap, satisfying options without sacrificing taste.

People are saying

"These burgers are tasty, hot, and made to order."

"It's a great late night spot, open 24 hours when you need it."

"This Mexican food makes me feel nostalgic for my childhood."

Good to know

1

Poppa Burger is open 24 hours for late-night cravings.

2

They only accept cash, so bring some with you.

3

You can get two large Pappas, two onion rings, and two drinks for the price of one.

18
El Jalapeรฑo (Food Truck) image 1

Food truck offers cheap, delicious tacos with crispy, dorados textures and flavorful hot sauce. Wait times can reach 20 minutes, and orders sometimes come short. No dine-in option exists, and cash is required.

Tacos here are cheap, delicious, and filling with hot, fresh tortillas. The grilled onions and green salsa stand out, and the menu also includes good gorditas, tortas, and Mexican hot dogs.

Tacos come at a cheap price while staying delicious and filling.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be always off the chain."

"I thought the tacos were the best Mexican food in Houston."

"The tacos here are cheap and delicious."

Good to know

1

There is no dine-in option at the taco truck.

2

Tacos cost $2.65 each, and tortas are $7.

3

Bring cash, as credit cards are not accepted.

19
Tia Maria's image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with a family-run, homey atmosphere and a large dining area and bar creates a spacious, welcoming environment. Live music and karaoke add to the fun, friendly vibe, while a free soft-serve ice cream machine offers a unique treat on the way out.

Strong, affordable margaritas pair well with some of the best green salsa and tasty chips and queso. Friendly service offers good food advice and custom drinks.

Prices stay incredibly cheap compared to the amount of food served. Lunch specials offer several affordable options that keep costs low.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican food here to be excellent."

"I loved the lunch specials and daily specials here."

"The prices were cheap for the amount of food."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs Monday through Thursday from 3 PM to 8 PM.

2

Expect a lively atmosphere with a mariachi band on Friday nights.

3

Reservations are recommended for large parties, especially on weekends.

20
The Domain Houston image 1

Space offers a vibrant atmosphere with great music and a laid-back vibe that suits both dancing and chilling. The energy stays inviting and comfortable regardless of crowd size. Outdoor seating is available but requires reservation for relaxation.

Offers chicken and shrimp tacos that are hot and fresh with good cheese. Features oxtail tacos and sliders with spicy mayo, especially popular during happy hour and Taco Tuesday.

Prices stay cheap before 10pm. Drinks come at an amazing and cheap rate. Cups and utensils use cheap plastic.

People are saying

"The oxtail tacos here are delicious."

"I loved the oxtail tacos; they were delicious."

"I found the drinks to be amazing and cheap."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with discounted drinks.

2

Karaoke starts at 10pm on Thursdays with a two-drink minimum.

3

Brunch & Bingo events are held on Sundays for a fun experience.

21
Houston Flea Market image 1

Market stretches for blocks with numerous booths selling mostly new, inexpensive items including hundreds of boots. Live music and dancing energize a lively atmosphere, complemented by a cantina and kid-friendly carnival rides. Layout feels disjointed and parking costs a small fee, with many transactions requiring cash.

Chicharron gorditas stand out as a notable dish. Tacos draw long lines at the restaurant house near the flea market entrance. Fried plantains and gorditas also appear on nearby menus.

Lots of cheap clothes, shoes, and western wear fill the market. Most items, except the boots, come from China or show cheap quality but remain very affordable.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was super delicious."

"You have to try the tacos; there was a long line for them."

"I found the items here to be very cheap."

Good to know

1

Parking costs only $2.00 for the entire day.

2

The market is cash only, so bring cash for transactions.

3

The market is huge and extends for blocks filled with numerous booths.

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